This lecture - demonstration explores the lives and works
of the dancing masters and choreographers whose names appear
on extant notated dances. The lecture delivers biographical information
on dancing masters such as Feuillet, Pécour, and Beauchamp,
and then a solo dance for a man by each particular master is
performed. This lecture - demonstration is done in full 18th
century costume. It has been performed at Assumption College,
Sarah Lawrence College and Baylor University.

The Characters of the Dance

The focus of this lecture - demonstration, is on the particular
male theatrical characters found in operas and opera-ballets,
but targets those for which notated dances survive. The lecture
introduces the plot, the character, and the scene, and is followed
by the performance of a notated dance by that particular character.
This lecture - demonstration is done in full costume with changes
made onstage behind a screen. This lecture - demonstration has
been done at Bruno Walter Auditorium at the New York Public Library.

The Art of Dance Explain'd: Dance Manuals From the 16th - 18th
Centuries

This is an over view of dancing manuals, beginning with
Thoinot Arbeau (1589) up to Genarro Magri (1779). The lecture
summarizes each manual, detailing the technique and style of
each manual, as well as what is known about the author. Then
basic steps are taught to the audience to recorded music from
each era. The participants not only learn how dance was handed
down, but also get a taste of each style and how it changed over
a hundred year period. This lecture - demonstration has been
done at Princeton University.

Performances

Solo or duet performances of most any type are available.
See Tom and Paige's Repertoire List
or Tom's Solo Repertoire List.

Special classes in operatic gesture and Feuillet notation reading
are also available. Master classes can be taught with recorded
music, live accompaniment or an accompanist can be provided depending
upon budget.